A Man I Knew

Rambling for father's day

He was honest and loyal throughout his life

To family and friends plus stranger to boot

Grew up poor and so valued his life

Moving on to find his place in the world

From small town boy, to big city guy

He always kept his eye on the prize

He worked in the fields, then flipped burgers to learn

Before moving on to more adventures in life

He did love to gamble and did it for life

But everyone has to have some adventure rather than strife

Friends of my mother introduced them for dinner

And a romance was to be had far beyond the night

Marriage came next as he made her his wife

And they started an adventure as they planned their life

From state to state they chased the work

Farm work to pipe-fitter

On to a factory and then to a mill

Then back to a mill and a place of his own

He worked in a store and made many friends

And then moved the adventure ahead

With a cafe to run

And family to share

He had simple taste

And dressed with style

And when he did pass

I sent him in style and little of his life

A fedora for style so he'd be dressed for a date

A watch on his wrist since he never would be late

With a final good bye and a touch of his face

I slipped a snickers into the place

Cause if there's one thing he'd miss, It was the sweet tooth he'd had since he was a youth.

Author's Note

My father and I were not close, but we had respect for each other

Reviews

[Valentine]

We all have a father somewhere, either on earth or beyond. I will be looking toward heaven tomorrow as I wish him a Happy Fathers Day and also Happy Anniversary, as it would have been both. I was fortunate to have great parents. Valentine

[Willard Wells]

Thank you so much and it is a time of celebration of those that took care of us.

[wordman]

a sweet tribute for a father

[Willard Wells]

It felt needed after the one I did for mom for mothers day. Thank you for reading and commenting.

[wordman]

my pleasure

[SyberRose]

Very touching poem...and you look like your father too...enjoyed reading...Rose

[Willard Wells]

Thank you Rose, your visit and comments are greatly appreciated.

[ANTO]

My word - such a handsome man. You did him proud and continue to do so Will.
Fair play to you my friend.
More power to your pen.

[Willard Wells]

Thank you Anto. Greatly appreciate your time, review and kind words. Have a great rest of your day.

[sereenaoutloud]

This is a great write and tribute to your father, the details of his send off tugged at my heart..just so much respect!

[Willard Wells]

Thank you so much for reading. It has been a number of years, but every time I get the point of telling someone of the details, I still have tears in my eyes. Appreciate you time.

[Samuel Dickens]

This is respectful, heartfelt and tender. We don't all have storybook relationships with our parents, but it's always best to revere them. I love his swept back hair. My father combed his like that, too, but without the part. He ran a café? In another life, I might have done that. Whether or not he has something with sugar, you've given him something sweet.

[Willard Wells]

Thank you Samuel. I have a file where I work on and keep my Haiku and Senryu work and that's where I started this. Needless to say it got out of hand and went a completely different direction. I appreciate your taking time to read and comment on my work.

[Marie]

I'm sure your father appreciated the way you sent him off.

[Willard Wells]

I think so too. Thank you Marie. I all ways look forward to your face on my page. Much appreciated.

[Perkele.7885]

I liked this piece Will! It said a lot about your dad and even more about you!

[Willard Wells]

Thank you sir. I felt with fathers day near and since I wrote of my mother, dad should get some time also. I appreciate your time in reviewing my work.